CROSSFIT -- Yes, I said it.

Say, CrossFit has really become something. Honestly, it's phenomenal how big it is, but it's not new. There's been circuit training like this for years.

 In my opinion, it's up at the top of my list of ways to work out your body and stay in tip top shape. The workouts train you aerobically and anaerobically in a shorter amount of time, rather than spending 45 minutes on a treadmill (which is not a bad thing!).

Now, I haven't been to a CrossFit, gym? Or is it a workout center? But hopefully one day I will. But there are many things you CAN do at home to get yourself ready and feeling confident.

 FitSugar.com has a plethora of 10-minute workouts (including CrossFit) you can follow, 30 to 40 minute workouts, Yoga stretches, sample Tabata workouts, at home Pilates and Barre routines and more. Granted not all the workouts you'll find are CrossFit, but they'll help you get in better shape, regain confidence and guarantee learn a lot about your own body.

Not only will you find out about your lung capacity, but which side of your body is more coordinated and stronger. Don't forget to keep your diet clean. Limit (cut out if possible) sugar, wheats (I'll touch up on this down the road), but if you're curious check out "Wheat Belly", by William Davis, MD.

All-in-all, the body can do amazing things. It will take some time to get in the shape you dream about and some practice to do handstand push-ups, but what's stopping you? Yourself? Think about it. Dream big, aim high, reach for the stars, whatever the cliche is, do it. Keep pushing yourself, but have fun!

Exercise in the A.M.

It might be hard to wake up that body in the morning when it's so warm and comfortable in your bed...But, it's true that exercising before you start your days events, treats won't be as tempting and you'll sleep better at night. So, who knows...getting up to exercise and sleeping better at night...You'll definitely be able to get up and be well rested!

• As the day goes on that willpower of making healthy and smart decisions wears away, unfortunately. But, exercising in the morning will help to keep some of that willpower going strong throughout the day. 
• How many of you actually feel hungry after you workout? If you don't, that's normal! Most people eat less after they workout. Yeah! Also, it'll be easier to resist that chocolate cupcake later. 

Now, we approach the part of actually getting out of bed and getting those shoes on. 

Well, what's helped me in the past, was just the sheer power of my mind. And, going to bed at a decent hour the night before. 

• Remind yourself about how you feel after you workout, and that it is, in fact easier to make healthier food decisions. 
• Set several alarms, only if it's hard for you to wake up in the morning and the snooze button becomes your best friend. Write yourself little encouraging notes along the way to change and when you get back, like "Way to go!" 
• Keep a journal of the days you've worked out and what you did. Keep yourself happy and motivated. 
• Keep a notebook also of the foods you eat, yes it takes extra time, but diet has so much to do with health and weight. 
• Plan you workout with someone else. That way it'll keep you motivated to do your best, who says a little competition is bad? 

Equipment! nah

If you don't feel like going to the gym, that's fine. You can still get that body you've wanted at home, at the park or in the yard. Sometimes it's nice to be comfortable at home and not have to worry too much about what you're going to wear, or if you don't feel like talking to anyone.

I was reading on the Women's Health website that some of the movements they combine, creates "super sets." Two moves that are performed back to back without a rest period in between.

I've tested this out, you'll feel the burn and the workout for sure! It'll get you in shape quick and work you up to doing more intense versions of these workouts.
Be sure to keep you heart rate high and move quickly from one exercise to the other. It's best to include some high energy workouts, or cardio and than follow up with some resistance.

I was reading on the Women's Health website that some of the movements they combine, creates "super sets." Two moves that are performed back to back without a rest period in between.

I've tested this out, you'll feel the burn and your muscles working for sure! It'll get you in shape quick and work you up to doing more intense versions of these workouts.

Check it out!

Workouts from the comfort of your home -- Women's Health

Outdoor workouts

Sometimes a simple change in scenery can keep your workouts from getting boring and drawn out. It's as easy as stepping outside and taking a deep breath and deciding to take your workout outside.

Recently, my boyfriend and I went on a hike, a long hike that was a great full body workout. I could feel those muscles working, not just my legs my but also my arms and shoulders. Along the hike, there were ropes for people to help keep their balance in places that were a bit slippery.

Taking your workouts to an off-beaten trail, or just a well-known hike with steps and hills, you'll begin to feel a difference and see your muscles begin to be more shapely, as well as feel the power as you hike.

The scenery at the top of a hike is rewarding, all that work and you're at the top of the world! Go ahead, step outside and give it a try.

If you're not an outside person, or a hiker, just opt for a paved road hike, something that's easier but still you can get in touch with nature and get some time outside to breath and relax.

HYDRATION!

A while ago I wrote about how important it is to stay hydrated.
Again I'll stress it's importance. Especially when living in hot places, well anywhere it's important to drink water. Sometimes is hard and kind of a drag to carry around a water bottle, but you'll be thankful.

those of you athletes out there, peak performance is achieved also through being properly hydrated. I'm sure you know that, but Like me sometimes, it's hard to carry bottles on a long and strenuous hike, but that dry mouth feeling isn't fun, and getting light headed isn't safe either. Becoming dehydrated while working out decreases the body's ability to cool off and leads to heat exhaustion.

We also lose water through out the day, going to the bathroom, sweating and breathing, according to livestrong.com

OK even with losing weight. Drinking water and staying hydrated keeps the good ol' appetite in control. Water in your stomach makes you fuller.

For certain health conditions, it's important to stay hydrated. Kidney infections require a lot of water drinking and going to the bathroom, so do bladder infections or kidney stones. Kind of intense conditions, but it's good to know. I mean for other health conditions and just to stay healthy in general.