Crunched for time? You just need 6 minutes.

The days seem to get shorter and shorter, workdays become work nights, and workouts become, well, they just disappear. It feels like working out is this far-fetched goal that can't seem to be accomplished.

Have you caught yourself saying,

"I'll start on Monday."

Behold, it's now Monday and what are you doing? Nothing. Starting another week without adding in your planned workouts.

Let's make sure that doesn't happen anymore. If we're so precious with our time and money, why can't we be with our bodies? Shoot for utilizing each and every minute that you are not at work to nurture and care for yourselves, whether it's 5 minutes of inner thigh exercises, breathing, a power nap, whatever it may be, enhance your body.

Put down that phone, turn off the TV and work your body.

Today we'll focus on 6-minute abs. Aside from having zero muffin top and looking great in a bikini, having a strong core has amazing health benefits. A strong core means a strong foundation. Core workouts the muscles in your hips and back, helping them to function together. As you start working your core (incorporate smart breathing: exhale on exertion), you'll begin to feel those muscles working and they will quickly become defined, if you're committed. Abs are made in the kitchen and defined in your workouts...so it's said.

Enough talk,  get that music going, it's time to start your workout.


1 MINUTE WARM UP: 

• Arm circles: 15 seconds
• Alternating lunges: 30 seconds total (15 seconds each side)
• Kick crunch: 15 seconds (alternating sides)
• Exhale & engage your abs as your kick your left leg up and bring your right hand to toes (repeat with other leg).

Kumbhakasana Pose (Plank)
photo: yoga mama

AB WORKOUT: 

Note: You can add a medicine ball or dumbbell for the Russian Twist, but you don't need it. Work up to it. 

1. 1 minute plank  (you can drop to your elbows to modify/adjust.)
1. Keep your wrists under your shoulders. DO NOT let your back sag or stick up like downward dog. Pull your belly button into your spine. Engage abs and lats. 
2. 1 minute seated Russian Twist
3. 1 minute side plank (alternating sides; 30 seconds on your left & 30 on your right)
4. 1 minute mountain climbers
5. 1 minute plank

Hooray! You're done! Quick, to the point and targeting those abs. Keep up the good work. 

Hop back on track

Keeping healthy habits a daily thing can be difficult.
If you've done it before, you can do it again. The tough part is not falling off the wagon.

Keeping up the health eating in a world where sugar is found in pretty much anything and everything we eat. Yes, sugar, the one thing that makes us want to eat more and fall asleep later.

Just think about how hard you worked to lose that weight or tone up, it felt great once you got there, right? Now, you don't have to deprive yourself of a sweet every now and then, sometimes it may help to rev up your metabolism. But, when you're choosing sweets, try not to pick something that's high in calories. Almonds are always nice, or even a few dark chocolate almonds.

Fruits and veggies are also packed with nutrients and will definitely fill you up right away.
If you find yourself having a hard time staying on a healthy diet or workout routine, just think back and ask yourself what made you hop off the path.

Just know that you've done it before and you can do it again. If you haven't done it, just give it a shot! There are a myriad of resources online where you can find eating and workout tips. If you have a smart phone, you can even download some apps, complete with exercise videos, and examples to show you the correct form when working out.


Helpful websites:

Women's Health 
SELF Magazine
SHAPE
YouBeauty
Ellie Krieger

Make measurable goals

It's after the holidays and we all may be just getting out of that holiday stupor. Feeling a little sluggish and getting back into that weekly or daily workout routine is harder.

Feeling that in-shape self you were before the grand holidays my be buried somewhere in there.

Well, let's see here, it's still there! Instead of setting a goal of, "I want to be in better shape by summer" set something more measurable. what I'm trying to say is to start with a short-term goal to help get you to the "I want to be in better shape by summer."

1.) Make your goal specific - "I want to run two miles in 20 minutes by March 5" - that's a 10 minute mile, totally do-able. You can do it.

2.) Make a plan of how you'll achieve this goal - "Go to the gym three to four times a week and run on the treadmill."

3.) Look outside the box - if you want to be able to run two miles in 20 minutes, look at what may be slowing you down. Time? Diet? Too many commitments? Narrow down your focus and find out where you can squeeze in some time.

4.) Write it down - write down your goal and post it somewhere visible. keep checking back on your status and motivating yourself in whichever ways you can!

Just be positive, it can be difficult at times, but keep your head up high.

Top Healthiest Cities

Is your city healthy? Does it make you feel fresh, fit and motivated? or sluggish, tired and gloomy?

Well, I got my Women's Health issue for January/February and came across the "The Healthiest Cities For Women." 

Among the top 10 healthiest cities we have:

1. Raleigh, N.C.: In this booming city of good shopping, 81 percent of the women over 40 stay on top of their mammograms. Also, even if you feel just fine, it's good to go get a physical to check up on your body and keep it maintained.

2. San Jose, Calif. (of course): Here we have many days of sunshine a year, (just like California's neighbor, Hawai'i! surprise!) get out and get running. Women's Health reported that many of the women run, swim and or lift weights, which keeps their bodies toned and tight. Also getting out in that snow when that time of the year hits, snowshoes or cross country skies burns up to 490 calories...Hello cute swimsuit :)

3. Austin, Texas: The women in this city eat lots of fruits and veggies every day, which helps them to lower their risk of certain forms of cancer. Not only do these low-caloric and sugar foods help with reducing cancer risks, but keep your weight at a comfortable rate.

Women's Health has a complete list of Top 10 on their site.

Start now and help to make your city healthier and make the list, well in the top 10!! (hint: come on Hawai'i, I mean who can resist this beach for a run, North Shore, anyone?)

The North Shore on O'ahu offers great places to swim, surf, run and play volleyball on the beach with friends. 

Muay Thai

OK..SO Muay Thai is pretty awesome all in itself.
Know to the Thais as the prestigious national sport, this martial art, also used for self defense is a great way to get in shape. Though Muay Thai isn't for everybody, it's a sport that requires a lot mental and physical discipline.

see here: thai pads (the ones with the Hawaiian Flag)

well anyhow, if you take interest it'll be really fun!

I wouldn't say I've trained in Muay Thai at all, but I've spoken with an instructor for a story, and have learned a few (let me emphasize, FEW) things. It was quite a treat talking to the Muay Thai instructor. (Tiger Muay Thai Gym on O'ahu)
She informed me that the martial art is a great way to build core strength, and overall toning in your muscles. Hitting thai pads and bags is also a way that students learn. A lot of muscle memory exercises are practiced as well. Aside from having super toned muscles and being able to defend yourself if need be, mental confidence is a plus.

Food Flexibility

OK, so it's not exactly a neato work out I'll be writing about. BUT, food is obviously part of health and fitness...Let's see here...

once again, with kind words, Ellie Krieger shares with us some food knowledge.

She brings to light the fact that some of us may eat the same meals over and over again, and yes, it does get kind of boring. Just switch it up a bit, do something new. For example, if you have cereal for breakfast every morning, then do something else, muffins..BUT! keep in mind health aspects please. Muffins are good, but have a lot of sugar and carbs. Take that in portions, only...cheat days can come later.

anyhow, I'll try to include some pictures again!!

Paleo Diet

Paleo Diet... heard of it?
It's something that I had never heard of. But, interestingly enough, it's pretty awesome.

So to get into a bit more detail, The Paleo Diet Web site states that it is an approach like a low carb, high protein diet. It's based on a historical basis; what our ancestors ate.

Meaning, our ancestors ate less carbs, well pretty much none of the following: refined sugars, grains, bread, processed carbs. That pretty much covers the "western" diet.


The agricultural revolution brought in new and different cities and civilizations. Interesting because the agricultural revolution isn't spoken about much, but it did bring in chronic disease. although, it also introduced so many great things as well, everything has it's ups and downs.


So pretty much, the diet targets foods that our bodies have evolved to eat, which provide foods that promote health and optimum functioning.

flatter abs!

YEP. these are actually fun and not boring ... click below!

ABS!

slippers..not the best idea

slippers probably aren't the best idea in store for your feet.

If anything shoes are created to support your feet and minimize any jarring that takes place during the day. ((Ellie Krieger) Plus, running on cement, the shock your shoes take will save your body and joints later on in life. (BTW, running on cement isn't the best idea either.)

It does cost a lot to get a nice new pair of shoes, and it's a good idea to go to a running or fitness store. Those working in the fitness stores are there to help you find the right shoe for your foot and it's fit. Trust me, you'll feel the difference.

Personally, ASICS are my favorite. They provide good support, shock balance and look cool :) On the greener side, ASICS has a shoe guide and they'll tell you about shoes and the importance of them.

It does get a bit pricey, you could drop up to $185 on an new pair of shoes, but cheaper would be $90. But it's better than body aches later and need to spend mounds of money to fix those problems...

Let me know how it goes when you get a new pair...

sweetstakes

everydayhealth.com is offering a sweepstakes to win a trip for a 3-day and 2-night trip to Los Angeles, California. This trip includes a one on one training session with Harley Pasternak.
Pasternak is the author of "5-Factor Fitness and 5-Factor Diet."
Start off the new year with a healthy trip and enter the sweepstakes.