Questions From a Highschool Friend :)
So I want to start off by saying how much it means to me that people actually take the time to read my blog. Seriously so sweet. I was beaming this morning when I came into work and saw people had taken the time to check it out. If I’m able to help even one person with all my ramblings then it’s all worth it 
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An old friend from highschool asked me some questions, so I figured I would post my answers on here in case anyone else had the same ones. So here it goes…
"So tell me, your gym routine, how often and what do you do? I usually do 3-4 days, legs/shoulders, back/arms, chest/legs and cardio (I also run) for about 20 minutes during gym days to warm up and 2 additional days as well."
Everyone’s body is different, so it’s all about finding a workout routine that gives you the best results and you actually semi-enjoy doing it. This is the workout I have had the best results with:
-Cardio in the am five times a week on an empty stomach. I do 30-45 minutes on the elliptical, speed walk on an incline on the treadmill (so great for the bum), or I run outside. If you don’t have access to a t.v. or have trouble reading while you are doing it, listen to a book on tape. Do whatever you need to do to entertain yourself. Sometimes I’ll only allow myself to read a book I’m really into if I’m doing cardio, so I actually look forward to it. lol.
-I usually do my weights before my cardio since my body isn’t tired yet. If I’m having a hard time waking up, I’ll sometimes do a 5 minute warmup to get going or pop a LIPO6 energy pill. You also have the option of splitting up your cardio and weights, but this means two separate workouts, and sometimes you just want it done…
-My weights are broken out daily for the week the following way:
Biceps & Back
Shoulders
Pecs & Triceps
=I pick 3 exercises for each above body part. I perform one set of each exercise with 30 reps in the form of a ‘burn-out’. You start w/ the heaviest weight you can and drop down until you have peformed 30 reps. The biggest thing is no resting, but no rushing. Think about the muscle as you’re lifting it. If you have two body parts that day you jump from one bodypart to the next in ’super-sets’ until you have completed all 6 exercises. If you have just one body part, go from one exercise straight into the next until you’ve completed all 3 exercises. Trust me, you will be breathing HARD.
Stomach
=Your stomach is a muscle, therefore use weight. Your stomach muscles will not grow huge, but if you’re like me and have a hard time getting them to show, you need them to pop out a little. Train your stomach like you do any other body part in the gym, instead of just doing crunches everyday.
Legs
=I lift my legs a bit different since they put on size easily, so I’m just going to list this one out: walking lunges (30 reps), squats (30 reps), calf raises (I do these on the hack squat machine w/ my toes pointed in and w/ them pointed out (50 reps each), penny pinchers (lay on the back extension apparatus and hold a weight to your chest. Instead of focusing on your back when you move up and down, focus on your butt and imagine you are picking up a penny between your cheeks as you extend up (30 reps)) - I know you’re laughing, but these things rock!
All in all, I’m in and out of the gym in under an hour and on my way home to eat breakfast. Pretty simple once you make a habit of it.
“Any advice on diet? I try to stick to 1 or 2 cheat meals a week, but my main problem is how do you have a life and still eat? Between meeting someone for “drinks” birthday celebrations, lunch with girlfriends…. What do you do?”
I have my cheat day too, and it’s not just a meal, it’s a day lol. As far as going out goes, you can get something healthy at almost any restaurant you go to. I HATE cooking, so I actually eat out a lot. If you get a salad and they don’t have lowfat dressing options, ask for lemon and a side of oil&vinegar (only use the vinegar). Eating out is also a nice time to try different types of protein you don’t usually eat at home (i.e. seafood, diff fish, etc.). Most places offer you veggies and starch as your side. I ask for all veggies and ask for them to be steamed. If I really want the cake at a birthday celebration I’ll ask to take a piece home for later and save it for after breakfast the next day. As far as drinking goes, I LOVE wine, but if I’m trying to cut back I’ll opt for a Vodka w/ soda water, extra lime. It’s one of the lowest cal beverages you can get. The biggest thing is, don’t miss out on opportunities to enjoy life with your friends and family - you just have to alter them a little .
