This CRAZY Thing that is Taking my Workouts and BODY to the NEXT Level

This CRAZY Thing that is Taking my Workouts and BODY to the NEXT Level

As you may likely know if you’ve ever watched any of my workout videos or subscribed to my fitness plans – I’m not big on fancy, expensive or hard to use equipment. In fact, I RARELY use it and have been resistant to incorporate much of it in fear of enlisting ANY obstacles to YOU at home in getting FIT.

However, like anything you do often, your body becomes efficient at the same exercises and you MUST keep changing things up, so for the past few months I have incorporating this amazing new exercise tool to my routine and with my clients and the results have been incredible – not to mention how much fun it is to use.

For the very first time I’m introducing you to a piece of equipment I truly think is worth investing in – ladies and gentlemen:  The OctaSlider! Regardless of your fitness level, the OctaSlider can be incorporated into your life and help you achieve incredible results. It forces you to engage your core to gain stability adding a whole new element to your fitness. The uses of this little (and easy to travel with) tool, is that it can be used for everything from physical therapy for knees, and shoulders to dynamic training drills for elite athletes.

I personally have loved the effects it has had on my own body as well as my clients in helping to achieve muscle tone and sculpt and lean out hard to target trouble spots like the stomach and back of the arms. 

So be prepared to see me incorporating this into my workouts – if there is one piece of equipment I recommend investing in right now, it is this; the Octaslider.

AND I managed to negotiate a discount code for you (I’m such a bargain shopper I love a good discount, who doesn’t).

Use code OctaARFit and receive 20% off atOctaSlider.com

Here are just a few of my new favorite exercises to get you going: 

OctaSlider Core SeaSaw

Deep core, and shoulder arm toning at its BEST!

Start in a push up position with one slider under each foot. Slowly lift your hips to slide your feet towards your hands so your body comes into an upside down ‘V’ position. Slowly lower hips back down until you are back in the ‘top of a push up’ position.

Start with 2-3 sets of 6-10 reps and work up to 3 sets of 15-20 reps.

Butt Transforming Leg Curls. 

I love these because they target the often forgotten hamstrings and cover hip extension and knee flexion—at the same time. This exercise gets deep into your core with a high degree and teaches you how to keep your butt contracted through dynamic motion. If you keep your hips elevated throughout the duration of the set, this will be quite challenging and your hamstrings and glutes will be screaming.

Lay on your back, bend your knees with one slider under each foot and left hips up off the floor. Straighten out your knees then slide feet back to align with your knees.

Repeat 2 sets of of 10-15 reps

OctaSlider Push up Flies

The OctaSlider works to force you to rotate your hands in such a way that it allows your shoulders to move through a more natural range of motion. Beware: the chest pump will be intense. In the beginning you may want to do partial flies and work up to straightening your arms over time. 

Start With: Slider Push up 1⁄2 fly 

Start in a regular push up position. Place the OctaSlider under one hand. As you lower in push up position, slide your OctaSlider slightly out to the side. Pull the hand in as you push back up. Finish reps and repeat on the other side. Perform this exercise in the modified push up position to decrease difficulty. **You should feel this in your chest and shoulders. 

Do 3 sets of 6 reps on each arm. 

Advanced: Slider Push up fly  

Same as above except this time push both arms slightly out to the side. Pull the hands in as you push back up. You can do the modified push up position to decrease difficulty. 

Do 3 sets of 10 reps. 

OctaSlider Reverse Lunge 

Regular: Stand with feet together, place the ball of your left foot on the OctaSlider. Slide your left foot back; Right leg will bend at 90 ̊. Slide your left foot up to start position, pulling up with the glute of your right leg. Finish reps and switch sides. **You should feel this in your glutes and some in your quads of the stationary leg. The sliding leg is just going along for the ride. I recommend doing higher reps and lower weight – such as 3 sets of 15-20 reps. 

Advanced: Reverse Lunge with weight 

Same as above except this time hold some weight – whether it’s light dumbbells, a heavy book, or filled water bottles. 

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps. 

OctaSlider Mountain Climber 

Begin in the ‘top of a push up’ position, body straight, arms under shoulders, and each foot on an OctaSlider. Draw abs in and activate glutes. Slide right knee towards chest and exhale. Slide back to start. Slide left knee in towards chest and exhale. Continue to alternate between legs for remaining reps. **The faster you go, the more cardio action you get in as well. 

Do 3 sets of 15 reps. 

Work up to  2 Sets of 30 at a faster pace

To  stay tuned on the video workout examples SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube Channel HERE

And if you want to do the workouts with me in REAL Time videos – join me on FitStrongandSexy.com

And make sure to use my code OctaARFit to receive 20% off your purchase!

http://www.octaslider.com/

Join Me: 5-Star Luxury Fitness & Wellness Cruise!

JOIN ME: 5-STAR LUXURY FITNESS & WELLNESS CRUISE!

 YES – a true floating Holistic Holiday at Sea

It has been my absolute DREAM to offer a luxury getaway that truly focuses on the wellbeing of YOU, something that is more than merely a 7 day vacation, but a chance to leave your vacation literally glowing and ready to take on the world. From fitness and diet, tospa treatments, mingling with new like-minded friends, soaking up the sun, sailing around the Caribbean and so much more.

I am thrilled to formally INVITE you to join me for the experience of a lifetime.

AND what better time of year that dreary March right? (and read on for my special credit offer)

Where and What?

I have partnered with the exclusive Holistic Holiday at Sea, alongside some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in all things health, wellness and fitness to provide this incredible and unique experience.

You will Cruise the Eastern Caribbean with me on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Divina, which combines the style and sophistication of Europe with American comforts and convenience. Visit exciting ports of call as we sail from Miami, FL to beautiful Philipsburg, St. Maarten; historic San Juan, Puerto Rico; and luxurious Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

All this and more while you dine on specially prepared vegan natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs (also accommodates non-vegan diets)

*AND Lectures and workshops are included, so you can have your daily pick!

What to Expect: A body pampering, relaxing, and educational vacation aboard  one of the world’s most luxurious ocean liners. A perfect combination of luxury, fitness, knowledge and entertainment, this 7-day holistic cruise stops at exotic ports of call and offers a wide variety of lectures, workshops, and private consultations led by me and several of the top authorities in the fields of health, fitness, and holistic healing.

All this while dining on specially prepared natural foods, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and lounging in saunas and Turkish baths.

When: March 1-8, 2014

A TRUE Floating World Class Health & Fitness Spa

• Exceptional nightly entertainment and special events.
• Refresh yourself in one of 3 sparkling swimming pools.
• Pamper yourself in the ship’s Spa featuring sauna, Turkish bath, gymnasium and luxury spa treatments.
• Swim, snorkel, or dive in crystal clear water.
• Jog on a course overlooking the Caribbean
• Click Here to purchase books written by our current and past presenters.
• Click Here to purchase DVDs, CDs and MP3s of lectures from past cruises.
• Click Here to read quotes and see pictures from our past events.
• Click Here to read recent articles about past cruises and upcoming events.
• Be inspired by world renowned teachers and healers – see who else is presenting Here.
• Click Here to learn more about the cooking classes

So do something different this winter, do something that will leave you BETTER, happier, more fit, more clarity and energy and come back revitalized, recharged, glowing with a newfound excitement for life!

Whether you come on your own and make friends there (like me), or grab your mother, daughter, girlfriends, husband and make it a special getaway!

But Book Early For Best Rates and Availability (don’t forget to mention my name for your $50 spa or spa/bookstore/private session credit)

“The ‘Voyage to Well Being’ was such an inspiring vacation that I signed up my entire family for the next yearbefore I left the ship! What a fantastic way to combine enlightening seminars with interesting ports of call while avoiding the hassles of transportation and the search for quality food. And as an added bonus–the opportunity to form friendships for a lifetime!”

Elizabeth S., Washington, DC

Top 5 Activites After a Break

A lot of things are tough about a break-up, but there is no question we tend to feeTop l it hit home more during our downtime, and for most of us that means weekends. Our ‘off’ time is when we tend to rely on that ‘other person’ to do things with, so when that person is no longer there, we get that pang of loneliness and it’s easy to let the sadness set in.
However, you must keep in mind that you broke up for a reason. If both people aren’t 100% all in, you both deserve more, and it’s best to part ways, and use your down time to keep busy and explore new and exciting things. Below is a list of my top 5 activities to do on weekends when you’re on your own:

Three Tips to Make your Break

I am convinced that 99.9% of the time a break-up is actually a positive life event, YES, you heard me correct. In fact, I would like to say that most often a break-up is actually a life transforming break-thru!
 
I’m not trying to say they are easy to go through. As humans they can be the most traumatic and devastating of events while you’re going through it. You may go through all the worst feelings from self-doubt and humiliation, to financial loss and every other emotion that runs the gamut of sadness. 
 
But, as my grandmother always said ‘time heals all wounds’ and I have yet to meet anyway, who after time has not come out stronger and happier in the long run from a break-up, whether it was a 25 year marriage or a whirlwind romance. Once you start to live and love again, you will see that you can learn a lot from a break up, all of which will benefit you in future relationships to come.