Workout Wednesday- The 12 Days of Fitness

 Workout Wednesday

'The 12 Days of Fitness'

What better way to kick off the countdown to the holidays than with a 12 Days of Fitness workout. I loved this article posted via the Huffington Post as it really is applicable to the busy days leading up to Christmas.

This workout covers moves that all of my classes are familiar with and on a day things get to hectic or an afternoon you could use a little movement here is a fun way to burn a few extra calories so you don't feel so guilty going to the holiday party and enjoying a small bite of something sweet:)

From the Huff Post December 12, 2013 posting.

You start with one minute of planking on day one. Each day you do the day 1 plus the next day.
So 1 minute of planking + 5 star jumps and so on. You can repeat them each again if you need more of a workout or like I did today, I added 5x1 minutes of planking after my run. Tomorrow I will do the same after my strength workout I have planned. I will do the 1minute of planks and add in the start jumps. I will likely repeat 3-5 times before calling it quits but even if you just do what is listed above it is better than nothing.  As you go more time and more total body workout starts to accumulate and then by Christmas Eve you are in the rhythm and ready to take on the remaining days of December.

I will be posting my progress as well as my classes each day so check back and join in on the fun! 

Here is a fun way to add a bit of intensity to your plank plus working out with a friend is always more fun! 

Get Fit. Live Fit. Be Fit.

www.bendbootcamp.com

Food Friday-Vegetarian Style!

I wanted to give some love to my vegetarian athletes and post a fun, simple recipe to offer up a creative way to add protein and vegetables while packing full flavor. 

Vegetarian Bean Tostadas

Ingredients: 

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup white onion chopped
• 2 tsp garlic, chopped
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• Pinto Beans or Black beans (I routinely make a batch every other week or so to have on hand but you can always use your favorite store brand, rinsed) 
• 2 Tbs Lemon Juice  

Heat the olive oil and saute the onion and garlic until soft.  Add in the cumin and the lemon juice along with the beans and stir and cook until warm.

I will take corn tortillas and steam them or warm them in the oven at 350 degrees while I am preparing the above.  Due to them being steamed the tostada will become more of a taco but I prefer them steamed than fried but you can use hard shells as well.

Once the corn tortillas are warmed topped with seasoned beans and you can top with just about anything. Here are some of my favorites:

• Romaine Lettuce
• Chopped Cucumbers, carrots, corn, peppers
• Shredded cabbage
• a light sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese
• diced mangoes, tomatoes, jicama, avocado, fresh lime, cilantro, mint, radishes
• mashed Butter nut squash can also serve as a base on the bottom

Really the sky is the limit with your flavors. If you have non-vegetarian friends or family you can also saute up some shrimp or grill some halibut in lime/lemon juice to make fish tacos.  This is a family favorite and is great for a hot summer night!

Happy Eating!