HIIT is the acronym for “High-Intensity Interval Training” and it serves as a great workout option for someone who wants to burn a serious amount of calories in a small amount of time. Basically, HIIT workouts consist of periods of max or sub-max effort exercise utilizing the larger muscle groups (legs, chest, back, etc.) combined with shorter rests or low activity phases.
The goal of HIIT is to fatigue the muscle group quickly without allowing enough time for the muscle to fully recover during the rest period. This will cause the
muscle to lack oxygen and enter the anaerobic phase, essentially burning more calories. These exercises can be done with or without external weights, depending on your level of fitness.
A good example of a HIIT exercise program is Tabata, which entails doing an exercise, such as Mountain Climbers, at your highest intensity for 20 seconds then resting for 10 seconds and repeating 8 times for one set. One full set should equal exactly 4 minutes, which may sound easy…until you try it! Depending on how much time you have will determine how many “sets” to do. Only have 20 minutes to squeeze in a workout? Then go for 1 set of 4 different exercises, leaving 4 minutes for a cool down/stretch at the end (you WILL need it!).
Studies have shown that HIIT exercise is a great way to increase muscular strength as well as improve cardiovascular performance. This type of training can be a fun way to spice up a mundane workout schedule and will continuously challenge your muscles in new ways. So give it a try the next time you’re pressed for time but want to get it a quick, yet effective, calorie burner in…you’ll thank me!
Remember…go at your own pace, small progress IS progress just the same! Love yourself. Love your body and ALL that it does for you. YOU are beautiful!

pick up a case of the bottled stuff;) But seriously, our bodies require a lot of H2o in order to function at it’s best throughout the day. Water helps recharge and cleanse your internal organs. It also helps move built up toxins out of the body. Ideally women should be drinking about 9-11 eight ounce cups of water a day. That may sound like a lot, but if you can get yourself into the habit of drinking one cup every hour during the day, I promise you will feel AND see a difference in just a few days!
week and still not be able to achieve that sought after Hour-Glass physique. In order to achieve a proportional waist-to-upper body “V” shape, you need to work your upper and mid back muscles. A lot of beginners don’t spend much time or focus on the back muscles because…Well, let’s be REAL ladies…you don’t hear too many people shouting “Yo honey…Nice Lats!“ or “Check out the Rhomboids on that Chick!“. However, incorporating the major muscle groups off your back into your workout routine will not only support better posture and lessen back pain, but it also creates the illusion of a smaller waistline.



